Who doesn’t love the juicy taste of pineapples? So sweet, slightly tart, and loaded with so many health benefits, it’s difficult to imagine there might be something sinister about pineapples …
Pineapples were first discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island Guadalupe. They tried for many years to grow pineapples without success, but finally figured out that the key growing ingredient was the tropical climate. Afterwards, Spanish and Portuguese explorers and sailors introduced pineapples to colonies in Africa, Asia, and South Pacific and brought to life the popular fruit we know and eat today.
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“Fun fact:” After eating canned pineapple one time, it is said that the great Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, told that he would only talk about treaties if they brought him more.
Pineapples were first commercially cultivated in Hawaii in the 18th century, and it remains the only U.S. state to grow them. It takes almost three years for a pineapple to come to maturity, so we should appreciate the effort that goes into growing them!
But there is more to these fruits than meets the eye. Keep reading for 9 healthy benefits and 3 dark secrets you never imagined possible from this sunny yellow fruit.
THE AMAZING
1. Divine Digestion
Pineapples soothe the lining of the stomach and the intestines, making them great for your digestion. Since they have both soluble and insoluble fiber and the proteolytic enzyme bromelain that breaks down protein, this fruit is just made to improve digestion. Pineapples also help to treat infections in the intestinal tract and work as a natural laxative, helping the body detoxify itself naturally. Enjoy a slice or two of pineapple after a meal for a sweet treat that will keep things moving and improve your digestion.
2. Stops Cold Symptoms And Sinus Inflammation
Just two small pieces of pineapple contain about 50% of the required daily dose of vitamin C your body needs. According to research done at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the bromelain in pineapple can reduce the amount of mucus in your throat and nose. Pineapple juice can also help quell coughs and is also terrific at calming inflammation in the sinuses. If you suffer from allergies, you might want to try adding some pineapple to your daily diet to control sinus mucus over the long run.
“Fun fact:” Did you know that pineapple fruit is actually made up of individual little berries that fuse together around the core? Think of pineapple as one huge berry just for fun!
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3. Relief From Morning Sickness
Studies have shown that eating pineapple first thing in the morning can help to reduce the nausea and vomiting that comes with morning sickness. An old folk remedy says that pineapple juice alleviates morning sickness and studies appear to back this up. This works due to pineapple’s high vitamin and mineral content, as well as the vitamin B6 pineapple contains. Eat a slice of pineapple or drink pure pineapple juice first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, for best results.
Read more on the next page.
